2017-18 Pacers Player Reviews: Lance Stephenson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 22: Lance Stephenson #1 of the Indiana Pacers holds the ball up after getting tangled up with LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during game four of the NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 22, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cavaliers won 104-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lance Stephenson;LeBron James /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 22: Lance Stephenson #1 of the Indiana Pacers holds the ball up after getting tangled up with LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during game four of the NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 22, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cavaliers won 104-100. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Lance Stephenson was back home for his first full season since 2013-14. It did not disappoint Pacers fans.

Indiana Lance Stephenson is back and in full effect. Once again embraced by the state of Indiana like few are, Lance brought his energy, among other things, back to the Hoosier state. He was good Lance and he was bad Lance, but most of all he was a key cog in the most fun season I’ve ever been a part of as an observer.

Lance is who he is because he brings more than just stats. When he’s focused, he brings an infectious energy and confidence that flows through the whole team. When Stephenson is in Bankers Life Fieldhouse he has the ability to rile up the home fans like only he knows how.

While good Lance is a part of the whole experience, bad Lance is as well. He’s never been one to hit threes at a high clip and sometimes his energy is more hurtful than helpful. Stephenson struggled in the first month of the season, shooting just shy of 27% from the field. He started slow with a 6-19 effort against the Nets and took some time to find a rhythm with this new Pacers squad.

Despite the rough start, Lance Stephenson found his footing as the 8th man. He bounced back with his best shooting month of the season and never really looked back. His energy and toughness was invaluable to this young Pacers team and should play a big role moving forward.

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